Reformed Theology

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life (Romans 5:8-10).” 

Regarding the sovereignty of God, Reformed Theology states that “God rules with absolute control over all creation. He has foreordained all events and is therefore never frustrated by circumstances. This does not limit the will of the creature, nor does it make God the author of sin.” I was inspired to research this when I heard a discussion about healing with a pastor who claims to teach Reformed Theology. He said that if he sustains a broken leg that it was God’s will. I do not believe this one bit. Is it God’s will that His children endure pain and suffering caused by Him? I certainly believe that God can use our pain and suffering to teach us about His love and faithfulness, but He doesn’t cause it. Ultimately, regardless of what it says at the end of the quotation, this belief does teach that God is the author of sin. A broken leg is an example of living in a fallen, sin-cursed world. Therefore, if God is in absolute control over all creation to the point He arbitrarily injures Christians, He then becomes the author of sin. But, scripture teaches, “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned (Romans 5:12).” And what about the idea that God has “foreordained all events and is therefore never frustrated by circumstances”? There are at least two things wrong with this statement. Did God cause Adam and Eve to sin? Did He cause Sodom and Gomorrah to engage in the immorality that caused their destruction? I mean we could site example after example where instead of man choosing to sin, God is therefore responsible. And if God is never frustrated by circumstances, why does the Bible say, “The Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart (Genesis 6:6).” If God was sorry and grieved in His heart that He made mankind because “every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually (Genesis 6:5),” then that indicates some frustration He had. In fact, He was so frustrated that He wiped mankind off the face of the earth except for Noah and his family. Even Jesus said, “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling (Matthew 23:37).” Jesus, who is God, shows His frustration by lamenting over the unwillingness of the Jews in Jerusalem to accept Him as their Messiah. 

These are just two examples where God is clearly showing frustration over the actions of the people. You cannot say God has foreordained all events and is not frustrated by circumstances and then see examples of Him clearly being frustrated by the circumstances created by the choices of the people. In conclusion, the biggest problem with Reform Theology is that if it is true then man cannot be held accountable for his actions. How can I be accountable for my sin and accountable for the decision I make about Jesus Christ, if God caused it all? Conversely, how can God hold a man accountable for his sins if He is the one who “preordained” all of the sins we commit? Why would Jesus have to die for sins we commit if God is the one who makes us commit them? The only reason I believe the statement made that God preordained everything is followed by, “This does not limit the will of the creature, nor does it make God the author of sin,” is because they know their belief is flawed. It is basically a form of damage control. Reformed Theology is a clear example of the truth that if your premise is off than your conclusions will be off as well. This is why it is so important to understand the Gospel; sin, death, forgiveness and the restoration of life. Adam sinned. Spiritual and physical death entered the world. Jesus, God in the flesh, was the only man born with a life to give that could pay the penalty for our sin. Then God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, could offer His life as a free gift to all who accept Jesus as their savior. We, in Adam, chose to sin. Also, we, in Christ, chose to accept God’s forgiveness for our sins and receive His indwelling life. What God preordained was that in His love He would extend His grace and mercy to mankind who are dead to Him in our sin. It is our choice if we want to receive it or not.